Never Fail Fruit Cake (Old-Fashioned Style)
Simple and reliable fruit cake recipe with rich flavors, perfect for holidays and special occasions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Traditional
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups mixed dried fruits
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brandy or rum
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Prepare dried fruits and nuts by chopping into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with orange juice.
Stir in brandy or rum.
Fold in dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 60–75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow cake to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
Soak dried fruits in orange juice or alcohol for extra moisture and flavor.
Wrap and store the cake for a few days to enhance flavor.
Can be made alcohol-free by replacing brandy/rum with more orange juice.
Store in an airtight container for longer shelf life.
